12 volt outlet in Casita not working? Broken or does it need shore power?

[Redwoodragon]

Hi everyone

New Casita owner here. The 12 volt plug next to the USB plugs below the dinette table will not work (I’m on battery power, not shore power— off grid dweller). What’s strange is the 12 Volt above the bed does.

Does that specific DC outlet only work when connected to shore power? Or do I have a problem here? Thanks!

(Everything else is running fine BTW).

[Casita Greg]

That outlet will not work without shore power, either for the 120 VAC outlets nor the USB ports, which also derive their power from the outlet itself when on shore power. There is absolutely no connection to the battery whatsoever. Unlike the stand-alone 12 VDC "cigarette lighter" style outlet in the rear overhead cabinet, which is wired directly to a 12 VDC source, the USB ports in those combination outlets get their power from the outlet itself. No shore power-no USB power.
If you need a full-time USB, you may want to check into buying/installing a standard 12 VDC stand-alone USB, but I will also add, be sure to check the USB's output rating. Most of them may not be powerful enough to charge a laptop for example. Shop carefully. And BTW, those USB ports built into the 120 VAC outlets are generally also not capable of charging a laptop. You can charge your cell phone, but I wouldn't count on it to power larger electronic devices. Just sayin'.

[DaveLevenson]

In my 2021 Casita Freedom Deluxe, the 12-volt "cigarette lighter" outlet and the two 5-volt USB sockets under the dinette table remain live when shore power is disconnected. The 12-volt and 5-volt sockets above the curb-side window also remain live without shore power. It appears that all of the "low voltage" circuits are powered by the battery.

My laptop (an Asus Zenbook) runs on 19 volts DC. It came with a "brick" that converts 120 VAC to 19 volts. When camping, I use an aftermarket "brick" that converts 12 VDC to 19 VDC. I can plug it into either of the 12-volt "cigarette lighter" sockets to charge the laptop when we're off-grid.

If any of your 12-volt or 5-volt outlets are not live on battery power, then either your Casita is wired differently from mine, or you have a fault somewhere.

[Redwoodragon]

Originally Posted by Casita Greg

That outlet will not work without shore power, either for the 120 VAC outlets nor the USB ports, which also derive their power from the outlet itself when on shore power. There is absolutely no connection to the battery whatsoever. Unlike the stand-alone 12 VDC "cigarette lighter" style outlet in the rear overhead cabinet, which is wired directly to a 12 VDC source, the USB ports in those combination outlets get their power from the outlet itself. No shore power-no USB power.
If you need a full-time USB, you may want to check into buying/installing a standard 12 VDC stand-alone USB, but I will also add, be sure to check the USB's output rating. Most of them may not be powerful enough to charge a laptop for example. Shop carefully. And BTW, those USB ports built into the 120 VAC outlets are generally also not capable of charging a laptop. You can charge your cell phone, but I wouldn't count on it to power larger electronic devices. Just sayin'.

Hey thanks for the comment! My USB outlets are actually do work without shore power so maybe mine is wired differently? I have a 2022 Freedom 17ft Standard. Good points about the USB Ive been being mindful of that, too! So it’s odd, brand new trailer but must be something out of wack obviously!

[Redwoodragon]

Originally Posted by DaveLevenson

In my 2021 Casita Freedom Deluxe, the 12-volt "cigarette lighter" outlet and the two 5-volt USB sockets under the dinette table remain live when shore power is disconnected. The 12-volt and 5-volt sockets above the curb-side window also remain live without shore power. It appears that all of the "low voltage" circuits are powered by the battery.

My laptop (an Asus Zenbook) runs on 19 volts DC. It came with a "brick" that converts 120 VAC to 19 volts. When camping, I use an aftermarket "brick" that converts 12 VDC to 19 VDC. I can plug it into either of the 12-volt "cigarette lighter" sockets to charge the laptop when we're off-grid.

If any of your 12-volt or 5-volt outlets are not live on battery power, then either your Casita is wired differently from mine, or you have a fault somewhere.

Thanks so much for the comment and info! Sounds like we have similar trailer wiring ( I have a 2022 Freedom 17ft Standard ) as the outlets working on battery power are the same as yours. Of course besides this one 12volt haha.

Great ideas about the laptop cords! I’ve been thinking similarly.

I’ll try to get some help checking out the fuses, it’s so strange especially since this is brand new, Ugh! Thanks for the help!

[ShelbyM]

It seems you have a source of AC since you resolved the AC outlet issue. https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...elp-98158.html Before you look for fuses, I'd suggest you plug in to AC and check if that gives you power to that 12V outlet. Apparently Casita has wired those in more than one way.